Our Staff

• Sir Richard 'Hannibal' HayesDirector/ CEO - 32,400 flight hours

  Sir Richard is a well known and respected pilot with 40 years of experience flying in the mountainous terrain of Fiordland, and has in excess of 32,000 helicopter flying hours. He operates with skill and professionalism and is heavily involved in Search and Rescue operations, often with the use of Night Vision Equipment. His skill and experience has been recognised nationally by being awarded the MNZM (Member of New Zealand Order of Merit) for his services to Search and Rescue. In 2014 Richard was promoted to Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to search and rescue and the community. Sir Richard and Lady Carol Hayes also own and operate Heliworks, based at Queenstown airport.

• Lloyd MathesonOperations Manager

  Working closely with Richard Hayes, Lloyd handles the operational side of the business , and provides invaluable ground support when required. A former police sergeant with more than 25 years experience in Fiordland Search and Rescue, Lloyd is our first choice winch operator - a crucial role in rescues where conditions do not allow the helicopter to land.

• Andrew (Heff) HeffordPilot - 6800 flight hours

  Andrew grew up in Te Anau and has been flying around Fiordland in between overseas tours for 10+ years. Has gained valuable experience in a broad range of operations both here and overseas. He enjoys spending time with his family, boating and hunting.

• Sean (Snow) MullallyChief Pilot - 11,000 flight hours

  Snow joined the team in 2015 after many years flying in Milford Sound. Snow has over 20 years flying experience in the Fiordland area, and also flew commercially in Canada for a year which included fire fighting. In 2019 Snow was promoted to Chief Pilot.

• Sam InnesPilot - 6,800 flight hours

  Sam has extensive flying experience and an impressive range of technical skills and specialist knowledge. He loves the Fiordland area and enjoys hunting and diving in his free time.

• Matt DeakerPilot - 720 flight hours

  A third-generation pilot, Matt grew up in Te Anau and loves the diversity and outdoor experiences right on Fiordland's doorstep. Matt loves diving & hunting, and gained his flying experience mostly through venison recovery. Matt joined the Southern Lakes Helicopters team in 2018.

• Erin RobertsonOffice Manager

  Living on a lifestyle block in Te Anau with her husband, two children and 'Minnie' the Jack Russell, Erin is a true-blue Southlander. She joined the SLH team in 2006 and loves the mix of work SLH undertakes, including Medivac/SAR - every day is different!

• Marleen WilsonOffice Team Member

  Originally from the Netherlands, Marleen arrived in New Zealand in 2007 - and loved it so much that she stayed! Living in Te Anau, Marleen dedicates most of her spare time to St John as an ambulance officer.

• Ngaire LindsayOffice Team Member

  Ngaire has been a member the SLH team for 11 years, and comes from a farming background near Otautau. Ngaire loves all that Te Anau and Fiordland have to offer, especially in the summer months. She enjoys getting out on the lake in the boat fishing & water skiing.

• Bex JonesOffice Team Member

  Southland born and bred, Bex joined the Southern Lakes Helicopters team in October 2018. Bex loves all of the outdoor activities that Fiordland has to offer - chat to her about Fiordland's Great Walks, or our new Lake2Lake cycle trail.